Travelling is an important cultural experience that has the effect of opening our minds to the experience of other cultures. Sustainable tourism is on the rise, and by changing our behaviours we can have a more unique experience but also be more respectful of the places we visit.
In 2017, Spain alone, had 82 million visitors. In Barcelona particularly, tensions have been rising for years and there were anti-tourist demonstrations last year.
With an increasing amount of people able to travel nowadays, it has become a burden on the local communities during peak seasons. We, as tourists, have a responsibility to be mindful of the communities we visit.
Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.
– Maya Angelou
There are several ways to travel more sustainably and blend in with the locals.
- Avoid travelling in large groups. There is so much free information online that can be utilised without needing a constant guide with you.
- A cruise might seem like a good idea but when you consider how much congestion and pollution cruise ships cause, you may rethink it. In addition, the tight schedules involved with a cruise vacation don’t leave much time for exploration and to really immerse yourself in a culture.
- Consider your trip’s timing. If you have children in school and are only able to go on vacation during peak seasons, that’s fine. But if you have a bit more flexibility, I would advise considering the Spring or Fall as well. Not only is the weather a bit more mild in hot destinations, top attractions are also more accessible.
- When booking your transportation consider the carbon footprint. Travelling by train is a lot more friendly to the environment than plane travel is. For instance, in The Netherlands trains are 100% powered by wind energy. Besides the impact on the environment, I find travelling by train a lot less stressful and more scenic.
- In choosing your hotel, try to find a hotel that has at least a few sustainable practices like not washing linens every day.
- Try reducing your plastic usage. You can ask for drinks without a straw; drink tap water; drink your coffee while seated instead of on the go; go shopping with a tote bag and refuse that plastic bag.
- Consider tailoring your holiday to your own interests. An attraction may be listed as a must-see but think of your own needs and wants first. Instagram has contributed to creating peer pressure around most instagrammable spots. Holidays are meant to help you relax and recharge so take it easy and try not to do too much. Don’t overplan your vacation and veer off the beaten path a little. There are always charming sights to see that are less-known as well.
- Lastly, don’t be a jerk. Don’t litter. Try to be respectful of the locals and their traditions. Keep in mind that this is not an amusement park for your pleasure but a city for people to live in and go about their lives.
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